This was one of our favorite places in all of Costa Rica (and we hit most of the main spots staying at everything from eco-lodges to 5-star resorts). We had both oceanside villas and the main villa. The main villa is remarkable--it's hard to convey in photos that the entire ocean side of the building is open. No windows, no screens, just an open side (with a bar) to the ocean. This means you get the full roar of the ocean each night and amazing sunrise views in the morning as you cook breakfast. The main villa has two floors (the master suite is above) with most of the living space, additional bedrooms, kitchen and main bathroom down below. Because the entire ocean-facing side is open, there is obviously no air conditioning. Although it does get warm and stuffy during the day, it cools off very quickly at night--especially with the fans they provide. Also, expect some bugs and creatures to make their way in. The two oceanside villas were almost as amazing. Instead of an open-sided view to the ocean, they both of a deck that overlooks the garden and the ocean. Both are more like a studio with a bathroom and a modest kitchen-top and fridge. The beach was black sand, mostly secluded, and accessible within seconds of leaving your front door. The surf is certainly more aggressive here than elsewhere in the country. Puerto Viejo and all of its shopping and Caribbean charm is easily accessible either by car or a 2km walk down the beach. This is a truly unique area of the country and you should definitely venture out to explore it. Nature is all around you. We bumped into a sloth in the backyard garden. Plenty of birds, and more than a few friendly lizards (some ended up in our food). Property management was great, responsive, and proactive on any issues. A few things you should know: - Utilities are unreliable. We lost lost power once and the water shut off as well--the properly has a backup well, but, this is not the resort area of the country so don't expect the same infrastructure. - You may want to pack in water. There is a grocery store fairly close (just ask as it's on the way to the property). They do have filtering jugs, but, we never really trusted them. - Note the Caribbean rainy season--it's not the same as the rest of the country. We were here in December and it rained several of the days. Even so, we enjoyed the place. But, there are times you should not expect a sunny getaway. - Parking can get tight. We had two cars--with one other guest on property (and their car) things started getting tight. - It is a haul from the San Jose. The highway from San Jose is under construction so we found it one of the slowest in all of the country. Expect a 4-5 hour trek.…
We loved Villas Serenidad. We had a garden room. It was like home. Comfy and cozy. Large bedroom and bathroom. A/c in the bedroom. Outdoor kitchen and living space. Everyone was helpful and accommodating during our stay. We will be back.
This is a great location for a couple or small group to get away. The units are spacious and charming. The gardens are gorgeous, and the ocean view from the deck is divine. You’ll fall asleep to the sound of the surf then can take a quick walk along undeveloped beach and choose from a variety of yummy breakfast spots in Puerto Viejo. If you don’t feel like walking or it’s after dark, take an inexpensive taxi ride. There’s lots of interesting stuff to do in the area. If you don’t mind a muddy, moderately strenuous hike, don’t miss the Kekoldi waterfall and definitely take a night hike in the jungle with Alex at Orok Wak Kekoldi. Also consider a surf lesson with Naima at Surf Meds. If you enjoy nature and are more interested in exploring the local scene than being catered to at a fancy resort then Villas Serenidad is a wonderful spot. …
Perfect location right by the beach, awesome apartment, beautifully decorated and equipped, wonderful view, super friendly hosts, not far from the center of Puerto Viejo, yet super calm. I wish I could give the place 10 out of 5 points!
Our family had a wonderful time. The three-house set up worker perfectly for our extended family group, offering space for sub-groups (cousins knocking around, siblings doing a yoga practice, my father-in-law looking for a quiet pace to write poetry) to be together. At the same time, the big open kitchen and main house living room are welcoming, comfortable places where the whole group hung out often. The main house upstairs is open with no glass windows, which allows for a comfortable evening enjoying the breeze. The photographs don’t do the property justice. In real life, it is so pretty. The sea breeze blowing off the beach into the house is wonderful. Sitting on a stool drinking coffee in the morning or a cold beer in the evening staring at the breaking waves while overlooking the hummingbirds in the colorful bushes, the lovely tropical floral garden, and the beach is magical. Sleeping in the bedroom that is in the loft of the main house is exceptional. The cool breeze at night with the hypnotic sounds of rolling waves provides for a wonderful night’s sleep. The black sand beach is clean with only a few other people near the villa’s access path. Walking along the beach past the nearby hotel towards the next river that flows into the sea is fun way to explore the area. The house is easy to find from the main road. The restaurants and grocery stores in Puerto Viejo are a 30 minute walk along the beach or a 10 minute car ride. Access to the gold sand beaches on the other side of Puerto Viejo is a quick drive and definitely an option. Each of the beaches has a different vibe. The kitchen and dining room space in the main house can accommodate comfortably meals for our family of 12. We found the house-keeper and night watchie helpful. Security is not a concern. Overall, the home and garden are wonderful, the beach is beautiful and there is lots to see and do in the area. Great vacation.…
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